University of Regina Collaboration
By Jessica Ross, Nughejagh Founder
I had the pleasure of meeting with Professor JoLee Sasakamoose who oversees the Nanatawihowikamik Healing Lodge and Wellness Clinic at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan. Professor Sasakamoose has worked with local tribes on developing a Culturally Responsive Framework (CRF) for healthcare that has been adopted by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). CRF has been incorporated in her work at the University of Regina, as she leads behavioral health students on how to approach patients seeking counseling. The Nanatawihowikamik Healing Lodge and Healing center was established to link the importance of ceremony and CRF in providing mental health therapy.
Located on the 2nd floor of the Education Building on the University of Regina's main campus, the Healing Lodge stands out among the multiple grand lecture halls. Professor Sasakamoose shared with me her journey on the planning and building of the Healing Lodge. Although there were many obstacles having to navigate construction by Western builders while utilizing the advice of Elders who were seen as Knowledge Keepers, Professor Sasakamoose was eventually able to establish a healing space that would fulfill the CRF that she finds to be significant to her practice.
Professor Sasakamoose has seen firsthand the effects of historical and direct trauma on First Nations people in Canada and firmly believes that CRF can be an approach that can help redeem medical and behavioral healthcare approaches.
Professors Sasakamoose and Lovo have invited me to meet their Elder Council digitally in September of 2023. Professor Sasakamoose has also proposed that we have the Eklutna Elder Steering Council meet the FSIN Elder Council to compare important concepts of CRF.
This meeting with Professors Sasakamoose and Lovo has proven to be most beneficial to the Eklutna Partnership. Not only was I able to learn more about how they were able to develop the CRF, but I was also able to learn more about the tribal systems, treaties, and the operation of the healthcare system (since it is a universal healthcare system).
I had the chance to tour around the campus and visited the student success center that houses some restaurants and the bookstore. The student success center had information on a campaign to "decolonize" the school which I thought was very interesting. I bought several books from the book store pertaining to reconciliation and historical trauma.
